The TikTok hack for achieving the barely-there eyeliner look is fairly simple. According to Byrdie, user Nykita Joy, or @neoitgirl, introduced the trick in a "get ready with me" TikTok. In the video, which depicts her getting ready to take modeling digitals, Joy messily applies black eyeliner before washing her face off-screen to achieve a faded look.

This is just one step in the entire no-makeup makeup routine featured in the video, but it's the aspect that other viewers latched onto. Users have since posted their own experiments with the trick, with the TikTok from @jessmclements receiving over 9 million views and being featured on the Huda Beauty page.

While many users pinpoint the off-duty model look as inspiration for this eyeliner trend, others have been quick to note its similarity to an existing form look popular in South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures. This can be seen in the video from @lookwhoshira, who explains that kajal, also known as kohl, is a type of eyeliner with both practical and superstitious applications in South Asia.

As mentioned in the TikTok from @morefromminaa, the application of kohl provides a similar look as the washed-off eyeliner and avoids the extra step of having to wash your face. They recommend supporting a Middle Eastern or South Asian store by purchasing kohl and saving yourself the hassle of washing your makeup off.